Specified clamp force inducing transmission for a bicycle fork mount

ABSTRACT

A drive mechanism for a load carrier includes a slip mechanism connected to a drive shaft and a retaining member configured to retain the slip mechanism. The slip mechanism includes a first member having a slot formed in a perimeter of the first member. The slot is configured to provide for easier rotation of the first member together with the retaining member.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/427,292, filed Mar. 10, 2015, which is a National Stage Entry ofInternational Application No. PCT/US2013/059075, filed Sep. 10, 2013,which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/699,757,filed Sep. 11, 2012, which are hereby incorporated herein in theirentirety by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to bicycle carriers. Morespecifically, embodiments within this disclosure relate to a mechanismconfigured to couple the bicycle fork to the carrier.

BACKGROUND

Safely and conveniently transporting sports equipment is a concern formany sports enthusiasts. For example, bicycles can be carried on bicyclecarriers. Typically, the carrier can be a hitch mounted carrier, acarrier configured to be coupled to the rear of the vehicle, or acarrier configured to be coupled to a rack on the roof of the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Implementations of the present application will now be described, by wayof example only, with reference to the attached figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bicycle carrier, in accordance with anexemplary embodiment, mounted to an exemplarily roof rack of a vehicle;

FIG. 2 is an exemplary perspective view of the bicycle carrier, inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment, of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a bicycle fork anchor of the bicyclecarrier, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bicycle fork anchor, in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment, of FIG. 3 having the body cover removed sothat the skewers, skewer contraction device, and manually operableactuator are more clearly illustrated;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the bicycle fork anchor, in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment, of FIG. 4, wherein the manually operableactuator has been removed for illustration;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the drive mechanism, inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment, according to FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the drive mechanism, inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment, according to FIG. 5 from adifferent angle than the one shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a section view of the drive mechanism, in accordance with anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 9 is an exploded section view of the drive mechanism, in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a perspective section view of the drive mechanism, inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration,where appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among thedifferent figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. Inaddition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide athorough understanding of the implementations described herein. However,it will be understood that the implementations described herein can bepracticed without these specific details. In other instances, methods,procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not toobscure the related relevant function being described. Also, thedescription is not to be considered as limiting the scope of theimplementations described herein.

The present disclosure concerns bicycle fork anchor configured to bereleasably coupled to a bicycle fork. The bicycle fork anchor aspresented herein can be used with a roof mounted bicycle rack, a hitchmounted bicycle rack or a specialized rack, for example in the bed of apickup or on a trailer. The bicycle fork anchor can include a skewer.The bicycle fork anchor can further include a drive mechanism. The drivemechanism can tighten the skewer upon a prong of a bicycle fork. Thepresent disclosure includes a drive mechanism that can be configured todeliver a predetermined drive-force to the skewer which draws a head ofthe skewer against the prong thereby pinch-securing the bicycle fork tothe bicycle fork anchor. When the drive mechanism delivers apredetermined drive-force to the skewer, the drive-mechanism can befurther configured to notify the operator that the predetermineddrive-force has been delivered. For example, the drive mechanism canmake a clicking sound. In another example, an indicator can be includedon the drive mechanism. The indicator can be a pointer and a scaleindicating that full tightness has been achieved. In another embodiment,the indicator can be a positive indicator such as a color changingindicator. Other indicators are considered within the scope of thisdisclosure which provides an indication to the operator that thepredetermined tightness has been achieved. Additionally, the drivemechanism can include a manually operable actuator and a transmission.The manually operable actuator can be coupled to the transmission whichcan be drivingly coupled the skewer of the bicycle fork anchor. Thetransmission can include a slip mechanism that only transmits drivingforces to the skewer of the bicycle fork anchor that are less than thepredetermined drive-force.

Referring to FIG. 1, an example of a bicycle carrier 10 is illustrated.The bicycle carrier 10 can be coupled to the vehicle 20 through one ormore rack components. As illustrated, the bicycle carrier 10 is coupledto a cross member 40 that runs the width of the vehicle 20 by a pair ofcoupling feet 12. The coupling feet 12 can have various shapes andconfigurations depending on the cross member 40 and bicycle carrier 10.The cross member 40 is in turn coupled to the roof rack 30 by crossmember rack feet 42. The cross member rack feet 42 can have varioussizes and configurations to allow for the coupling of the cross member40 to the roof rack 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the roof rack 30is coupled directly to the vehicle 20. In other embodiments, the crossmember 40 can be formed together with the roof rack 30 so that no crossmember rack feet 42 are required. In some embodiments, the cross member40 can be fixedly coupled to the roof rack 30 with fasteners.

FIG. 2 illustrates a more detailed example of the bicycle carrier 10that is illustrated in FIG. 1. The bicycle carrier 10 can be coupled tocoupling feet 12. The bicycle carrier 10 can also include bicycle forkanchor 50 and a rear wheel tray 60. The rear wheel tray 60 includes awheel receiving portion 64 and retaining strap 62. The wheel receivingportion 64 can be configured based on the type of bicycle to be mountedthereon. For example, in at least one embodiment, different wheel trays60 can be available for mountain bicycles, road bicycles, or speed trialbicycles, among other types of wheels and frames. In yet otherembodiments, such as the one illustrated, the bicycle tray 60 caninclude a wheel receiving portion 64 that can accommodate two or moretypes of bicycle tires or rims. The strap 62 as illustrated is anadjustable strap. As illustrated, the bicycle carrier 10 includes a maintube 14 and an extendable tube 16. The extendable tube 16 allows foraccommodating different bicycle wheel bases while providing a compactstorable size.

The bicycle fork anchor 50 includes an anchor body 52 which can protectthe internal components from damage and/or provide a streamlined shape.The bicycle fork anchor 50 also includes a skewer 70. The skewer 70 isconfigured to releasably couple a bicycle fork to the bicycle forkanchor 50. The skewer 70 has two heads 72. The movement of the skewerheads 72 can be controlled by rotating the manually operable actuator80. The manually operable actuator 80 can be substantially in the shapeof a cone, for example see FIG. 2. In other embodiments, the manuallyoperable actuator 80 can take other forms such as a rotatable knob, arotatable handle, a lever, a pin or other component that can be used toadjust the position of the heads 72 of the skewer 70.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the bicycle fork anchor 50 witha bicycle fork secured thereto. In order to secure the bicycle fork tothe bicycle fork anchor 50, the manually operable actuator 80 isrotated. As the manually operable actuator 80 is rotated the heads 72 ofthe skewer 70 move inwards. As the head 72 moves inwards, the insideportion 73 of the head 72 comes into contact with an outside portion ofthe bicycle fork. The inside portion of the bicycle fork also comes intocontact with the prong abutment 74 of the bicycle fork anchor. Thus, thebicycle fork is pinch-secured to the bicycle fork anchor 50. Once thebicycle fork is secured to the bicycle fork anchor 50, the bicycle forkanchor 50 can be locked by lock 76. The lock 76 prevents the rotation ofthe manually operable actuator 80, thereby locking the bicycle fork tothe bicycle fork anchor 50. In other embodiments, other types of lockingdevices can be implemented to prevent removal of the bicycle fork fromthe bicycle fork anchor 50. The bicycle fork can be removed from thebicycle fork anchor 50 by releasing the lock 76 if it is engaged androtating the manually operable actuator 80 until the bicycle fork isreleased by the skewer 70. While the manually operable actuator has beendescribed as being rotated, the present disclosure contemplates otherconfigurations of the manually operable actuator 80 that do not involverotation.

FIG. 4 illustrates the bicycle fork anchor 50 of FIG. 3 with the anchorbody 52 removed to expose the components. A drive mechanism 100 isillustrated that is configured to tighten the skewer 70 of the bicyclefork anchor 50. The skewer 70 can be tightened upon a prong of a bicyclefork, for example as shown in FIG. 3. The drive mechanism 100 includes amanually operable actuator 80. The manually operable actuator 80 asincludes an operator graspable, rotatory nose-cone. This rotatorynose-cone is positioned at the front of the bicycle fork anchor 50. SeeFIG. 3. When the manually operable actuator 80 is in the form of arotary nose-cone, the shape provides for an aerodynamic leading portion.In other embodiments, the manually operable actuator 80 can be in theform of a knob or other manually operable actuator as described above.As illustrated, the manually operable actuator 80 houses a transmission(shown in at least FIG. 5). The transmission can be coupled to a driveshaft 110. The drive shaft 110 as illustrated includes a threadedportion 111. The threaded portion 111 can be configured to be engagedwith a skewer adjustment mechanism 90. The skewer adjustment mechanism90 controls the movement of the skewer 70 and/or skewer heads 72.

As illustrated, the skewer 70 can include two skewer heads 72. Theskewer heads 72 can have an inside portion 73. Fork stop portions 75which have inner portions 74 which provide a face upon which can engagethe bicycle fork prong. As illustrated, the skewer 70 can include a leftshaft 78 and a right shaft 79. In at least one embodiment, the leftshaft 78 and the right shaft 79 can be configured to move independentlyinwardly thereby causing the heads 72 to move independent of oneanother. When the left shaft 78 and the right shaft 79 are configuredfor independent movement, their respective movement can be controlled bythe skewer adjustment mechanism 90. In at least one embodiment, theskewer adjustment mechanism 90 is configured to apply equal pressure tothe respective prong of the bicycle fork. In other embodiments, the leftshaft 78 and right shaft 79 move in unison. When the skewer adjustmentmechanism 90 is implemented to provide for equal pressure, thesecurement of the bicycle fork is enhanced because if unequal pressureis supplied on different sides of the bicycle fork, the operator maybelieve the bicycle is secure even though one side is not secure.

FIG. 5 illustrates the example bicycle fork anchor 50 of FIG. 4, whereinthe manually operable actuator has been removed. As illustrated thetransmission 102 is exposed. The transmission 102 can optionally includea retaining member 130 and a biasing member 140. The biasing member 140as illustrated is a spring, specifically a coil spring. In otherembodiments, the biasing member 140 can take other forms. For examplethe biasing member can be a leaf spring, an elastomeric material, anelastomeric-like material, a sponge, or sponge-like material. In otherembodiments, no biasing member 140 is included. If a biasing member 140is included, the amount of predetermined drive-force that thetransmission 102 is capable of transmitting from the manually operableactuator 80 to the skewer 70 can be increased.

Also, as illustrated, a retaining member 130 is included. The retainingmember 130 can be secured to the manually operable actuator by afastener 138. In other embodiments, the retaining member 130 can beintegrally formed with the manually operable actuator 80. For example,when the manually operable actuator 80 is formed from a plastic, theretaining member 130 can be molded together with the manually operableactuator 80. Likewise, the retaining member 130 can be cast togetherwith the manually operable actuator 80 out of metal. Additionally, theretaining member 130 can be separately formed and later bonded throughwelding (plastic or metallic) or glued to the manually operable actuator80. In yet other embodiments, the drive mechanism 100 according to thepresent disclosure can be constructed without a retaining member. Forexample, the manually operable actuator 80 can be sized to appropriatelyconstrain the movement of the slip mechanism if necessary.

The retaining member 130 can be part of the slip mechanism 104 (see FIG.6) and house components of the slip mechanism. The slip mechanism 104can be configured to only transmit driving forces to the skewer 70 ofthe bicycle fork anchor 50 that are less than the predetermineddrive-force.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of the drive mechanism 100 accordingto an exemplarily embodiment. As illustrated, the drive mechanismincludes a transmission 102 which includes a slip mechanism 104. Theslip mechanism 104 can include at least a pair of opposed rampedsurfaces biased toward one another and that remain substantiallystationary relative to one another in face-to-face engagement when driveforces less than the predetermined drive-force are transmitted to theskewer 70. The predetermined drive-force can be a force determined toassure that a pinch-secured bicycle fork remains secured to the bicyclefork anchor until intentionally released. Additionally, the slipmechanism 104 can include at least a pair of opposed ramped surfacesbiased toward one another and that slide past one another acrossface-to-face engagement when drive-forces greater than the predetermineddrive-force are attempted to be transmitted to the skewer 70. Thepredetermined drive-force can be a force above which squeeze-damage tothe prong of the bicycle fork is risked. The predetermined drive-forcecan be based on the worst case scenario drag calculation for a bikealong with an appropriate safety factor. In at least one embodiment, thesafety factor is five times. In other embodiments, the safety factor isbetween two and eight times. In at least one configuration, the slipmechanism can be described as a torque transmission limiter in that thetorque being transmitted by the drive shaft is limited by theconfiguration of the pair of opposed ramped surfaces.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6, the slip mechanism 104 includesa pair of disc shaped members (150, 160). Each of the disc shapedmembers can have at least one ramped surface configured to engage the atleast one ramped surface of the other disc shaped member. In at leastone embodiment, the at least one ramped surface can include a pluralityof ramped surfaces. In at least one embodiment, the at least one rampedsurface can be a tooth. As illustrated, a plurality of teeth is presenton each of the disc shaped members. As illustrated the plurality ofteeth can be substantially located on the perimeter of each of therespective one of the pair of disc shaped members. The teeth asillustrated can be of a cuboid shape. In other embodiments, the teethcan have other shapes such as cubic, pyramidal, conical, and prismatic.The shape of the teeth can be chosen based upon the size of the forcethat is to be transferred. In other embodiments, the shape of the teethis based upon the molding technique used to construct the teeth. Inother embodiments, the shape of the teeth is based upon the machiningtechnique used to construct the teeth.

Additionally, a drive shaft 110 is illustrated in FIG. 6. The driveshaft 110 has a head portion 114 which is configured for matingengagement with one of the disc members 160 of the slip mechanism 104.The head portion 114 can have a shape which allows for synchronizedrotational motion with the one disc member 160. The one disc member 160has an aperture 168 formed therethrough. The aperture 168 can have aportion that is configured to receive and rotationally couple with thehead portion 114 of the drive shaft 110. The head 114 of the drive shaft110 can have a hexagonal shape, for example. The aperture 168 can have ashape that is configured to receive the hexagonal shape. Additionally,end portion 113 of the head 114 of the drive shaft 110 can extendthrough the aperture 168 such that it protrudes. The head 114 of thedrive shaft 110 can also include a groove 115 that is configured toreceive a locking ring 116 that prevents motion of the drive shaft 110in an axial direction relative to the one disc member 160. The lockingring 116 can be another type of locking device that prevents the motionof the drive shaft 110 in an axial direction relative to the one discmember 160. In other embodiments, a fastener can couple the drive shaft110 to the one disc member 160 to prevent relative axial movement. Inyet other embodiments, the one disc member 160 can be bonded to thedrive shaft 110. Thus, the drive shaft 110 in one or more embodimentscan be described as being coupled to the slip mechanism 104, which inthe illustrated embodiment includes the one disc member 160. Therefore,when the slip mechanism (which can include the pair of disc shapedmember 150, 160) is coupled to the drive shaft 110, one of members ofthe slip mechanism (for example, one of the pair of disc shaped members)can be constrained to rotary motion with the drive shaft. Additionally,in at least one embodiment, the one of the disc shaped member 160includes a drive shaft fixing aperture (for example aperture 168). Thedrive shaft fixing aperture constrains the drive shaft 110 fromnon-synchronized rotation relative to the one disc shaped member 160. Inat least one embodiment, an axial restraint (for example, the lockingring 116) can be configured to axially restrain the movement of thedrive shaft 110 relative to the one disc shaped member 160.

The drive shaft 110 can further include a biasing member engagementportion 112. The biasing member engagement portion 112 can be configuredto receive the biasing force from the biasing member 140. In otherembodiments, the biasing member 140 can act on the one disc member 160.When the biasing member 140 acts on the one disc member 160, the onedisc member 160 can have a biasing member engagement portion. Thebiasing member engagement portion of the disc member 160 or drive shaft110 can be configured based on the shape of the biasing member 140.Additionally the biasing member engagement portion can be reinforced tobear the direct loading from the biasing member 140.

In order to more fully explain the interaction between the pair of discmembers (150, 160) and the retaining member 130, reference will be madeto both FIGS. 6 and 7, which show different perspective exploded viewsof an exemplarily embodiment of the slip mechanism 104 and theinteraction with the drive shaft 110 and retaining member 130. Asillustrated in FIG. 6, the one disc member 160 has a nominal facesurface 163. The nominal face surface 163 can substantially flat. Thenominal face surface 163 refers to the surface of the one disc member160 without considering the teeth 162 or any recesses formed therein.The another disc member 150 has a nominal face surface 153. (See FIG.7). The teeth 152 of the another disc member 150 are formed such that atop surface 154 can be substantially flush with the nominal face surface153. The sides 156 of the teeth 152 extend inwardly in an axialdirection from the nominal face surface 153, wherein a recess 157between adjacent teeth top surfaces 154 can be formed. This recess 157accommodates the teeth 162 of the one disc member 160. The recess 157can be sized such that the recess 157 is larger than the teeth 162.Thus, the recess 157 includes additional space.

The plurality of teeth of the one disc member 160 can have side faces166, which are substantially perpendicular to the nominal face surface163. Additionally, the plurality of teeth on the another disc member 150can have side faces 156 that are substantially perpendicular to thenominal face surface 153 (see FIG. 7). As illustrated, the teeth arecuboid, but could be other shapes. In some of the other shapes asdescribed above, the side faces 156, 166 would not be perpendicular.Furthermore, it is possible that while one set of side faces 156, 166are perpendicular to the respective nominal face surface 153, 163, theother set of side faces 156, 166 could not be perpendicular. Forexample, it could be advantageous for the side faces of to havedifferent shapes for allowing or preventing slippage.

The one disc member 160 can have a perimeter 161. As illustrated theteeth 162 are formed such that a portion of the teeth is adjacent to theperimeter 161 of the one disc member 160. Similarly, the another discmember 150 can have a perimeter 151. The teeth 152 of the another discmember 150 can be formed such that a portion of the teeth 152 form theperimeter 151 of the another disc member 150. In other embodiments, theteeth (152, 162) of the both the one disc member 160 and another discmember 150 can be configured such that are radially inward from theperimeter (151, 161) of the respective disc member (150, 160). Theconfiguration of teeth (152, 162) can be such that they slip relative toone another once a predetermined force has been exceeded.

The another disc 150 can have grooves 159 formed in the perimeter 151thereof. The grooves 159 can provide for gap space between the retainingmember 130 and the another member 150. The grooves 159 can provide foreasier relative rotation of the another disc member 150 relative to theretaining member 130.

An aperture 158 is formed through the nominal face surface 153. Theaperture 158 is configured to receive a fastener 138. The fastener 138is configured to couple the another disc member 150 to the manuallyoperable actuator (not shown). The fastener 138 can also secure theretaining member 130 to manually operable actuator. In at least oneembodiment, the fastener 138 does not secure the another disc member150, but only secures the retaining member 130. Thus, the another discmember 150 can be rotated independently of the retaining member 130 andthe manually operable actuator. When the retaining member 130 andanother disc member 150 are secured to the manually operable actuator,the retaining member 130 and another disc member 150 rotatesubstantially together with the manually operable actuator. In anotherembodiment, the retaining member 130 can be integrally formed or bondedto the manually operable actuator. In yet another embodiment, theanother disc member 150 can be integrally formed with the manuallyoperable actuator. Thus, in at least one embodiment, the manuallyoperable actuator can be rotatably constrained to the retaining member130. And when the slip mechanism includes a pair of disc shaped members(150, 160), the manually operable actuator can be further constrained onone of the pair of disc shaped members (150, 160), for example theanother member 160.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary cross-sectional view of the drivemechanism 100 according to the present disclosure. As illustrated fromthe top moving downwards, the drive mechanism 100 includes a drive shaft110, a biasing member 140, one disc member 160, another disc member 150,a retaining member 130 and a fastener 138. As indicated above, otherconfigurations can be implemented. As seen in the illustration, thedrive shaft 110 includes a threaded portion 111. The threaded portioncan be configured to be coupled to a skewer adjustment mechanism (notshown). The drive shaft 110 can be configured to be rotationally coupledto the one disc member 160 so that when the one disc member 160 rotatesthe drive shaft 110 in turn rotates. The one disc member 160 can becoupled to the another disc member 150 by coupling of teeth 162 andteeth 152 of the respective disc member 160, 150. The one disc member160 and another disc member can be said to form a slip mechanism 104.The slip mechanism 104 can include other components in addition to theone disc member 160 and another disc member 150.

Additionally, the drive mechanism 100 can include a retaining member130. The retaining member 130 can be configured to retain the slipmechanism 104. As illustrated in FIG. 8, when the slip mechanismincludes a pair of disc shaped members 160, 150, the retaining member130 can be substantially cylindrical in shape. The retaining member 130can include a bottom surface 136 and a plurality of tabs 132 can make upthe side face 131 of the retaining member 130 in addition to somerecesses (not shown) formed between the tabs 132. Additionally,retention tabs 134 can be included. The retention tabs 134 can extendradially inward from tabs 132. The retention tabs 134 in conjunctionwith bottom 136 constrain the movement of the slip mechanism 104 in theaxial direction. In the illustrated example, the one disc member 160includes a retention groove 167 formed around the perimeter of the onedisc member 160. Thus, the retention groove can be described asreceiving a portion of the plurality of retention tabs. The retentiontabs 134 thus constrain the axial movement of the one disc member 160.Additionally, the retention tabs 134 allow for each of the pair of discshaped members 160, 150 to be inserted and removed from the retainingmember 130. This configuration allows for replacement of the disc shapedmembers 160, 150 due to wear or damage. Furthermore, a single retainingmember 130 can be made that accommodates different disc shaped members160, 150 which can then allow for different levels of predeterminedforce to be transmitted. Additionally, the biasing member 140 can bechanged out depending upon the desired force to be transmitted.

As seen in FIG. 8, the biasing member 140 biases the slip mechanism 104an engaged configuration. In at least one embodiment, when the slipmechanism 104 includes a pair of disc shaped members 160, 150, thebiasing member 140 a can bias one of the pair of disc shaped members160, 150 towards another one of the pair of disc shaped members 160,150. In yet another embodiment, another biasing member 140 b can beincluded and the another biasing member 140 b can bias another of thepair of disc shaped members 160, 150 toward the one of the of the pairof disc shaped members 160, 150.

When pair of disc shaped members 160, 150 are in an engagedconfiguration, the nominal face surfaces 163, 153 substantially abut oneanother. In other embodiments, the nominal face surfaces 163, 153 of thepair of disc shaped members 160, 150 can be parallel and separated by adistance which is less than a height of the plurality of teeth.

FIG. 9 is an exploded cross-section view of drive mechanism 100 of FIG.8, wherein the biasing member 140 has been omitted for clarity. Thedrive shaft 110 is located at the top of the drawing. The drive shaft110 includes a threaded portion 111, a head portion 114, a groove 115,an end portion 113, and a biasing member engagement portion 112. Thehead portion 114 of the drive shaft 110 can be received in an aperture168 of the one disc member 160. The one disc member 160 can include aretention groove 167 that is formed around the perimeter 161 of the onedisc shaped member 160. As indicated above, the retention groove can beconfigured to be retained by retention tab 134.

A plurality of teeth 162 extend from the nominal face surface 163 of theone member 160. The plurality of teeth 162 are configured for matingengagement with teeth 152 of the another member 150. As indicated abovethe plurality of teeth 162, 152 can be configured to transmit up to apredetermined amount of force before slipping relative to one another.The sides 156 of the teeth 152 extend inwardly in an axial directionfrom the nominal face surface 153.

A retaining member 130 is also illustrated. As illustrated, theretaining member 130 includes a plurality of tabs 132 forming the sideof retaining member 130. Some of the plurality of tabs 132 also includea retention tab 134. In the illustrated example, a retention tab is onevery other tab 132. In other embodiments, each of the tabs 132 caninclude a retention tab 134. In other embodiments, the retention tab 134can only be on every third tab 132. While in still other embodimentsonly three retention tabs 134 can be provided. Between the tabs 132, agap space can be formed to allow the tabs 132 to have flexibility. Theretaining member 130 includes a bottom 136 that constrains the pair ofdisc shaped members 160, 150.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective cross-section view of the drive member100. The drive shaft 110 is located at the top of the drawing. The driveshaft 110 includes a head portion 114, a groove 115, an end portion 113,and a biasing member engagement portion 112. The head portion 114 of thedrive shaft 110 can be received in an aperture 168 of the one discmember 160. The one disc member 160 can include a retention groove 167that is formed around the perimeter 161 of the one disc shaped member160. As indicated above, the retention groove can be configured to beretained by retention tab 134.

A recess 157 between adjacent teeth top surfaces (not shown) can beformed. This recess 157 accommodates the teeth 162 of the one discmember 160. The recess 157 can be sized such that the recess 157 islarger than the teeth 162.

A retaining member 130 is also illustrated. As illustrated, theretaining member 130 includes a plurality of tabs 132 forming the sideof retaining member 130. Some of the plurality of tabs 132 also includea retention tab 134. In the illustrated example, a retention tab is onevery other tab 132. In other embodiments, each of the tabs 132 caninclude a retention tab 134. In other embodiments, the retention tab 134can only be on every third tab 132. While in still other embodimentsonly three retention tabs 134 can be provided. Between the tabs 132, agap space can be formed to allow the tabs 132 to have flexibility. Theretaining member 130 includes a bottom 136 that constrains the pair ofdisc shaped members 160, 150.

While reference in the foregoing paragraphs has consistently labeled oneof the disc members as one of the disc members 160 and the other asanother disc member 150, the claims may use the terms for different onesof the pair of disc members (150, 160) due to claim draftingrequirements. Furthermore, the disclosure has described certain featuresas being a part of one of the disc members, but not necessarily theother. These examples are not intended to imply that the features mustbe on only one of the disc members and not the other. However, when discmembers are included as a part of the slip mechanism, the features ofthe respective disc member should allow for slipping of one of the discmembers relative to the other once a predetermined force is exceed, thusthe slip mechanism only transfers force below a predetermined force.

Example implementations have been described hereinabove regardingvarious example embodiments. The example embodiments are intended toconstitute non-limiting examples. The subject matter that is intended tobe within this disclosure is set forth in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bicycle carrier configured for receiving awheel of a bicycle, the bicycle carrier comprising: a longitudinal body;a wheel tray for receiving the wheel of the bicycle, the wheel traycoupled to the longitudinal body; and a drive mechanism for the bicyclecarrier disposed in a longitudinal direction of the longitudinal body,the drive mechanism comprising: a slip mechanism connected to a driveshaft; and a retaining member configured to retain the slip mechanism,wherein the slip mechanism comprises a first member having a slot formedin a perimeter of the first member, the slot configured to providerotation of the first member together with the retaining member, whereinthe longitudinal body is transverse to a longitudinal direction of askewer configured to support a bicycle fork.
 2. The bicycle carrier asrecited in claim 1, wherein the retaining member has a rib extendingfrom an interior surface of the retaining member, the rib configured tobe coupled to the slot of the first member.
 3. The bicycle carrier asrecited in claim 2, wherein the rib is rectangular.
 4. The bicyclecarrier as recited in claim 2, wherein the rib is a plurality of ribs.5. The bicycle carrier as recited in claim 4, wherein the plurality ofribs are spaced along an interior surface of the retaining member. 6.The bicycle carrier as recited in claim 1, wherein the slip mechanismfurther comprises a second member disposed above the retaining memberand the first member along a longitudinal axis of the drive shaft. 7.The bicycle carrier as recited in claim 1, wherein the drive mechanismfor the bicycle carrier is disposed along a longitudinal axis of thelongitudinal body.